Think your rejection letter was bad? Check these out

April 30, 7:23 AMCollege Admissions ExaminerLauren Starkey

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My column a few weeks ago about rejection walls gave me access to some, let’s say interesting, rejection letters. There was the one from the University of Delaware that offered the practical suggestion of seeking therapy if you can’t get over the rejection.  Duke’s was nicer, emphasizing the need to put together a well-rounded freshman class rather than admitting every qualified applicant. The University of California, San Diego’s, is now legendary: “you’re in. Oops. You’re out.”

Sue Shellenbarger of the Wall Street Journal posted a great roundup of other note-worthy 2009 rejections yesterday.  Her all-star lineup includes Kindest (Harvard), Toughest (Bates), Most Discouraging (Boston University), and Biggest Spin (UCDavis).

Her Best Student Response was found online. When Isaac Chambers of Champaign, Ill., a top student, track athlete, student-government leader and an editor of his school's online newspaper, was rejected form Harvard and Yale, he offered this advice: “When you're in the dough, fax the colleges that denied you a copy of your rejection letter every day -- letting them know just how badly they screwed up.” You can thank Isaac on www.collegeconfidential.com.